How to Improve Your Saxophone Embouchure Quickly

[@heaneymusic]

Did you know I teach at Oklahoma City University's Wanda L. Bass School of Music? Learn more about the OCU Saxophone Studio: - IG: instagram.com/ocusax/ - FB: facebook.com/ocusax - More: www.okcu.edu/music/admissions/auditions

[@FoolishFrankie]

Dude this is unreal. I've started working on this exercise at the advice of a lesson teacher because I'm having a lot of fatigue problems. Your flexibility is insane!

[@heaneymusic]

Thanks for watching, hope this helps! Love your stuff btw.

[@J.P-Sax513]

frankie???

[@volatilefish3908]

yooo it's sir frank

[@anyalawrence9692]

I haven't played the saxophone in a year , I'm trying to get my embochure back to where it was, I'm thankful for this

[@lourdeschavez3100]

Same but 3 years for me 😬

[@r_ez4608]

Same but 6 years for me :|

[@enoffz8021]

Embouchre strength from the sides is absolutely essential like you say at 0:21. For about a month, I lost all strength on the right right side of my mouth due to Bell's Palsy (a facial paralysis) It left me unable to play a single note on a saxophone without air just leaking out the side. Then, until strength came back completely, I couldn't play loud or high. I'm fully recovered now and I've learned to keep the sides of my embouchre firm (and not to just bite the reed in the middle).

[@JustDr3-TV]

Props for making an instructional video funny lol

[@heaneymusic]

I live to serve!

[@nuclear_reactor5x5]

?

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

I played tenor sax around 8 years as a teen and now 10 years later got hit by a real sax fever, playing has never felt so good and right. Bought my first pro alto sax, used black selmer sa2, playing everyday feels so easy when people like you make such terrific content. Thanks so much for this one, noticed that my embrouchure wasnt nearly as good as i thought (:

[@taraadcock1503]

Never will be. As you improve, you want more. This means you are human. Just play man and record some of it.

[@jergnome6790]

I found this really helpful! Normally when I practice, my embouchure tends to get sore after like an hour, but it only 10 minutes of this to make me feel like its getting stronger. Ive been very on and off and the current pandemic isn’t fun, but what a great vid to re-obtain my ombrechure.

[@heaneymusic]

Glad this video could be useful!

[@popocatap]

Thanks, Joshua! I started on alto 30 years ago, then stopped after a year or so. I always ended with a sorely bitten lower lip. My embouchure was far from pleasant or consistent. Tried several different reeds, even a more expensive mouthpiece than the one Yamaha put in case. No-one ever pointed out that my lower lip should be outside my teeth. I was about to get my lower incisors rounded off by the dentist, when I decided to check on KZbin. I found one other teacher who helped me out of the dream and now your video which made me smile instead of banging my head on my saxophone case. I’m going straight to practise!

[@billwoods6508]

Great exercise. Just tried it for the first time on my baritone and got down to the Low A - but I felt it all way down! Will carry on as part of my practise routine.

[@heaneymusic]

I’m glad it works for you!!

[@zacharynguyen7286]

Incredible video, please continue to Make more ❤❤

[@DieterLo1]

Thanks for your advise! Six weeks ago i started to learn Sax and good to listen to experts like you to improve. Greetings from Germany!

[@craigmcgorry2391]

This is great! I was taught this years ago by saxophonist Mark Vinci and it made a huge difference (along with the Sigurd Rascher Top Tones book). It was great to see a short, clear video of this. I just shared it with someone.

[@MarkoSax]

Right, like Joe Allard exercise...thanks

[@ArcadiaDesert]

Bro.... you just helped me have a major breakthrough in my intonation. I was basically rolling the bottom lip in so much it made the space in my mouth smaller making middle d and e very sharp. Rolling out, it fixed it and i learned that there is a spot om the cork where the whole horn plays pretty well in tune now as long as I maintain lip rolled out and steady air stream

[@protestantgroyper9895]

I had to watch this video for a band class assignment and I was expecting a really cringy or boring video but this one made me laugh and didn’t drag on.

[@heaneymusic]

Too cool! Which band program is showing my video for class?

[@protestantgroyper9895]

@@heaneymusic For obvious reasons I don’t want to give out my high school, but it was for our concert band

[@maureenthomson872]

Thanks for this Joshua. I've just realised how much I bite my mouthpiece and this is a great method for moving away from my bad habit!

[@egandavid]

I first open this video to improve my clarinet embouchure but realised they are bit different. But now come here to watch the face you make AGAIN AND AGAIN lol Thank you so much!

[@gabrielbotsford791]

Excellent pedagogical content. This is a fantastic way to get students an opportunity to become aware of the fundamentals of embouchure.

[@heaneymusic]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words and your viewership!

[@Caglarsax]

Good advise I will try that.

[@heaneymusic]

Good luck!

[@josjawillems3708]

I've only started playing sax a couple of weeks back, and couldn't bend a single note. Thanks to this vid, I can bend all I like and my tone has improved in a matter of 10 minutes. Thank you very much, Joshua!

[@heaneymusic]

Glad this helped!

[@charlesbenedetti1817]

Joshua...........you're a good teacher..........thanx for these exercises to improve my Embouchure

[@barryhansen5302]

Great exercise for embouchure. I sorely need it. My mouth gets tired and I develop a squeak after 30 - 40 mins of practice.

[@djstixtrix]

Wow, this is challenging!! Thanks for the advice.

[@heaneymusic]

Have fun!

[@michaeldean9338]

VERY helpful, Joshua. I'm a clarinetist that hasn't played in over 20 years. I had only picked up the tenor just before I stopped playing altogether. Recently, I've just started to roll my lower lip out more than what I had already been doing, I was searching for exercises that focused more on the upper lip (or its use as a light seal.) Your exercises should keep me busy for the next 6 months. Thanks so much.

[@FD-wt2zh]

Amazing exercise. Every saxophone student should do this

[@duongquoc2829]

thanks you for this I tried your method for like 6 days I finally can make a progress after a while

[@bipinbhatt5234]

Great Sir, simpaly amazing, unbelievable clear sounding....

[@marcelaarevalo1437]

Thanks!

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Thanks Joshua I shall have a go at this , I’m a complete newby at 57 so I’m sucking up as much advice as possible and this made a lot of sense to me . I shall give it my best shot 👍

[@theglauber]

This funny exercise has helped me a lot, thank you!

[@finneyman]

I will try this. Haven’t played in a while and need to get my chops back

[@jamesmatheka1361]

Great.Loved the tutorial. Thank you.

[@MonsieurRiddikulus]

the "end my suffering" edit caught me off guard lmao

[@heaneymusic]

I’m glad somebody noticed!

[@ForcedMemeIsAMeme]

I gave a snort my wife heard from the other end of the house.

[@taraadcock1503]

Can't wait to try this! Great! Thanks

[@eugeniaavilava584]

So clever and cute advice!❤

[@MariMari-to3pm]

Thank for this good tip!

[@MarceloMoratti]

Good. I hope it's functional. Thanks

[@Mitskienthusiast]

Thank you my ,aim is clarinet and this helped me so much getting the lower notes

[@vdweghp]

educational AND funny :D just bought myself the Nuovo Jsax

[@garymeroff3297]

thanks so much. I am biting down and my endurance has been a problem. I am working this and I am hoping it solves my endurance problem and improves my tone as well. I am seeing some improvement so I am hopeful ! I appreciate your video and help.

[@robertgreen3702]

Excellent!! Love your tone.

[@warrensledge5909]

Thank you for the info.

[@isaiahd9947]

Super helpful! I have something to work on for sure

[@heaneymusic]

Good luck!

[@curtisvalle5141]

Def'n new to me. Makes sense. Thanks!

[@jamescps8799]

this method forces us to use the side muscles. if not using this method, then practice regularly by focusing not to bite and relax the lower tip will also gradually improve the embouchure. Also, pull up your neck strap a bit don't let the reed sit too tight on the lower lip.

[@sandygiuffrida8264]

Excellent advice for improving sound. Like learning how to do power lifting.

[@jonswann]

Love this exercise, Josh! I'm going to start incorporating it into my teaching.

[@МедитацииИвайло]

Thanks brother!

[@chungh0401]

thanks a lot!!!

[@Moises08sax]

Hi thanks for sharing, I heard this exercise in a flute symposium known as the “ the rabbit” 🐰 🎶 I used this exercises to warm up and make my upper lip more aware and active relaxed bit form at the same time!

[@heaneymusic]

Glad to see it has roots in other winds, too!

[@pearseobyrne]

Wonderful thank you, I've just started on tenor and soprano and I immediately got what you meant. You're a great teacher and I'll check back in frequently.

[@heaneymusic]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@vpm234]

Thanks I learnt something new from you

[@valentinseremet]

Really nice man, sounding great like that. I'm a clarinet player and we did that at academy. Haven' tried that on saxophone yet... 👍👏

[@luckylanno]

This seems great. I'll try it next time I practice. At some point in high school I randomly started biting to the point that my bottom lip would have a wound. Sadly, I was never able to unlearn that habit, so I eventually stopped playing... I'm doing my best to avoid doing that again.

[@Sue20022010]

Great tip

[@unclemick-synths]

Even without the mouthpiece to hand it's quite a work out for the embouchure! 👍

[@samusico6231]

muito bom parabéns!

[@HenryV0322]

Wow so helpful

[@RazBalmas]

Thanks alot really helpfull!

[@ConBarry11]

Just picked up the sax, thanks man I will work on this!

[@youngyatty4285]

This is so useful thank you

[@marijnkuijlman]

WOW! This really helped!

[@UrsulaDehler1923]

Such a great help, thanks a lot!

[@ffranseswharton-faraut8272]

Thank you

[@heaneymusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@seamusmurphy63]

great video helped alot!

[@emmawulf8339]

Helped more then my band director

[@samucaeosmano9207]

this has to be either the hardest or the funniest excersice ive done

[@raseshgandhi6702]

Beauuuutiful information

[@christopherking8682]

Whenever I do this exercise, I have way too much air leaking out of my mouth. I can get a sound out pretty well, but I get really light headed playing this way. Is there any way to fix this? Also, awesome video! With the short time I've been using this exercise, I can already notice a difference in my playing. I have played sax for 7 years now, but I'm trying to work more on fundamentals.

[@Animal.CUT...]

7 years ???? .... air leaking out of my mouth ??? but how is this possible ???

[@foxyrouge8775]

I play flute and piccolo and I want to learn sax for jazz band. I really have been struggling (due to having only “one” embouchure).

[@oliver-zg5fp]

Great video teacher, I saw that you use a selmer series 3, in your opinion the series 3 is superior to the S80 2? If you can answer I would be grateful...Brazilian here.

[@Loveisthylaw777]

He said “ END MY SUFFERING “ lmfao 🤣

[@b.i11y]

I tried but not working, thinking my untidy teeth leaks all the air with my weak lip muscle until I saw your second Video about Sucking Thumb. I know the shape of the lips matters but never think of a whistling-like shape. I thought it is a "tight-lip" flat shape instead of a protruding round shape. Now, I am much less strained with no bites on my lower lip. Thanks a lottttttttttttttttttt

[@tmlpony]

Hi Josh,,ive been playing for 3 years now,i feel i have a pretty good sound on my Tenor but im gonna try your method and see if i can improve,,i can only do altisimo G,,your altisimo sounds amazing! thanks for the tip!

[@heaneymusic]

Thank you! I hope this video helps you develop your tone and altissimo.

[@MarioGodoyMusic]

Looks absolutely ridiculous and can't wait to try it!

[@heaneymusic]

That’s the spirit!

[@memunns]

so.. im trying this and it's impossible, lol. how do you keep a loose bottom lip doing this?

[@heaneymusic]

Not impossible, but perhaps tricky to do when new! Sounds like you may be using a too hard reed if you find yourself biting. Don’t give up. :)

[@DaphneNiehot]

Hi Joshua, I just can't get a sound out of my saxophone while doing this exercise. Do you have any tips? :(

[@grimygrease8920]

ahh i can't stop laughing when i make the face 😆 but i need help! i literally make no sound when i try to do it and i've been doing it for the past ten minutes or so. is it supposed to happen after a few minutes or some days of practice? thanks!

[@grimygrease8920]

oh, nevermind i JUST got sound from it

[@heaneymusic]

Seems like you got it, but yes, it takes time to figure it out. Have fun!

[@grimygrease8920]

@@heaneymusic thank you! the video was great by the way

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

Everyone has a technique ☮️🎶🎵🎷

[@vicky__p]

Gah! I have self-taught myself tenor saxophone to a successful Grade 5 exam... I can't make any sound with this exercise... clearly a sign of terrible technique on my part. Bad times! Any tips on how to build to it or just keep trying?!

[@jenniferparadise3066]

I have always had a problem sounding too “spitty”-don’t know what else to call it, especially when articulating. Any advice for me? 🤓

[@sbooontheroad]

i just tried it and no sound.. does that mean poor embouchure already or I need to try some more times this exercise? Thanks for posting. This is the craziest video on embouchure I've seen. Hope it works.

[@heaneymusic]

This means you are playing with an embouchure that is too tight and relies too much upon jaw pressure. Keep trying the exercise.

[@sbooontheroad]

@@heaneymusic thank you, I'll keep trying. It is amazing how you can play so clearly with the lifted upper lip. Do you use a bigger grasp of air than with normal embouchure, to compensate for the air loss?

[@heaneymusic]

@@sbooontheroad Yes, I generally take a very full initial breath.

[@Phosypha]

What witchery is this... (I'm definitely going to try this)

[@heaneymusic]

Have fun!

[@samueliyiola7926]

I have diastema in my incisors will this exercise work for me? Moreso, I'm always forced to play having my mouthpiece between my upper lips and lower lips. What should I do?

[@heaneymusic]

I believe so.

[@sergiogutierrez1806]

Thank you so much! It is helping me a lot.... also i have a question, when i do the excersise at the beggining it doesnt make a sound and there was only air blowing between my mouth and mouthpeace, but now I can make a little sound but still the air escaping.... This is the way to do it until there is only sound and no air escaping? Or am i doing it wrong? Thank you for your help!!!

[@heaneymusic]

You’re supposed to have air escape through your lifted top lift / teeth however are not supposed to have air escape through the corners of the embouchure.

[@sergiogutierrez1806]

@@heaneymusic perfect! Thanks!!

[@natestrayhorn1578]

@@heaneymusic What do you mean by corners? (Anatomical terms work)

[@monkeyxx]

there's some straight up Eric Wareheim moments in this vid!

[@anthonylangston23]

I started playing the saxophone yesterday so I didn't expect to be able to do this exercise well, but I can't even make a sound at all. Way too much air leaking when I lift my top lip. Do I just need more practice?

[@heaneymusic]

I think this exercise is aimed at players with a little more experience than absolute beginners. Focus on making a consistent sound then come back to this maybe a month or two from now.

[@dagadbm]

i get dizzy doing this. how to solve it?

[@michaeldean9338]

Your horn actually sounds similar to a clarinet @3:34.

[@xaviierm9332]

been playing for 12 years, and i definitely bite… yeah i cannot make a sound at all. it is so hard. i will keep practicing.

[@rubysio5974]

Hey, I can make a sound, but air escapes all the same from the corner. Do you have any tips ? Ty !

[@heaneymusic]

Try playing a softer reed!

[@biglad3877]

i have a gap between my two front teeth how do i improve with that?

[@louieluis8840]

How can you get a well rounded sound when your mouth was open and your teeth showing?

[@heaneymusic]

Years of practice, a fast airstream, good embouchure, and reliable mouthpiece+reed.

[@shirelkarkay6424]

I used to play for few years at a high level then took a break for several years, now i can't play.. can't make a sound without squeaking. i've tried everything embrocher wise, reed wise, breathing wise. any tips? could it be possible that it's the sax and not me? 😭 i'm lost and so frustrated

[@heaneymusic]

Could be many things. Bad reeds, mouthpiece might be defective, or you could be biting.

[@dojo8627]

I have a gap in my front teeth. Does this still work?

[@frenchracqlett5368]

Me too

[@bxatch]

🤓🎉

[@jimrakestraw8917]

How do I switch from this normal embrochure to a jazz embrochure and is there an exercise for that? Ive been playing on and off for 12 years, and have a great classical tone.... but I cant sound like a jazz saxophonist for anything.

[@heaneymusic]

That may be a better question for a jazz-oriented teacher! I too am more classically oriented.

[@vusumuzijacobdhladhla7945]

Where will be the tongue? under the reed

[@savesthedave845]

Can this be modified for clarinet?

[@heaneymusic]

Yep, it works in the same manner!

[@macandcheese.no3]

but like i bite on my bottom lip a lot and it swells after playing a while and i feel my teeth marks with my tounge on my inner lip 😭